This solar storm - Just how badly is it exaggerated?

as most of you should have heard, the sun is reaching a peak in its activity, and predictions have been made that some pretty nasty solar flares will come and knock out our systems like a worldwide EMP strike which could leave us in the dark for months, or about a year (worst case scenario). however, i decided to do a few minutes worth of google searching, and im reading things like simply disconnecting systems from the mains will be all the protection needed for devices.

so, if such simple measurements can be taken, why are we making such a big deal out of it? if it can be predicted, then we can take the appropriate steps, and that will be all...right? and if it is such a big deal, why isnt there a rush for governments to start taking the necessary actions?

haha, i was waiting for someone to say that. i didnt realise how quick it would be

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Such widespread power outages, though expected to be a rare possibility, would affect other vital systems.

Scientists love predictions.

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You clearly don't spend much time in Loungin' dude

i lurk mainly. most threads arent worth replying to - especially all those 2012 threads.

well if it pleases the court, i could turn this thread into one - discuss how this can relate to 2012 and us killing ourselves with crime over power failures

that explains why it was a bit nutty (for those that dont get the reference, i wont bother)

Poeple like to make a big deal out of stuff like this. Y2K was easily fixed but people were still going nuts. My dad was one of the people going around the country applying the fix to governemt systems for the entire year preceding, and the entire time that was being done people were freaking out about some kind of Mad Max future.

Scientists make a big deal about these things because it gets them attention, which turns into funding. Why do you think NASA makes a big deal over every routine shuttle launch or satellite maintenance mission?

It's being made such a big deal because people are idiots and will think "Am I *bleep* unplugging my television, Family Guy is on.", so they'll just continue sitting their fat lazy arse on their couch with all the lights and tv's and whatever else on, causing a year of darkness. Which, by the way, would be pretty cool.